Theophilos S. Monanteras

Theophilos “Phil” Monanteras, age 88, of Merrillville, IN, passed away Saturday, March 10, surrounded by his loving family. Phil is survived by his children: Alex (Pat) Monanteras, Vassie (Terry) Costakis, Christine Monanteras, Mary Haluska (former son-in-law Mike Haluska), Toula Vasos (fiance Mike Pohl); grandchildren: Jim (Reneah) Monanteras, Michael (Kelly) Monanteras, Peter Calacci, Cassandra (Jeff) Chappell, Christopher (Angie) Costakis, Dean Costakis, Amy Haluska, Jacob Dodson; God children: Nick Andros, Metropolitan Tarasios of South America, Dino Drakos, Peter Lageotakes, Andrew Thiros; nine great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 33 years, Pepe (Sacketos), his brothers Jim and Gus, sister Christina and beloved wife of 31 years, Helen (Vasos). Phil was born in Quincy, IL, on November 13, 1923 and raised in Decatur, IL. He served his country during WWII, joining the Army Air Force, and was stationed in Bury St. Edmonds, England. He began a correspondence with Pepe Sacketos and met and married her after the war in 1946. They resided in Gary and Crown Point and raised their three children together until Pepe’s death in 1979. In 1981 Phil met and married Helen Vasos. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this past year. He was an active member of Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and served on the church board as President; he also was the recipient of many awards as a member of AHEPA. As the owner of Dunes Tap and Package Liquors in Glen Park, Phil was a respected and well- known businessman. His true impact, however, is not measured by his considerable accomplishments, but rather by the warmth, generosity and understanding he gave to his family, to whom he dedicated his life. He, indeed, touched the lives of everyone he met in lasting and meaningful ways Funeral services Thursday, March 15, 2012, 10:00 a.m. directly at Ss: Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison Street, Merrillville with Rev. Theodore Poteres officiating. Interment at Ridgelawn-Mt. Mercy Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Contributions may be made in Phil’s name to St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund or to Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Theophilos S. Monanteras

November 13, 1923 - March 10, 2012